In late December, our modern traditions lean toward kindness, charity, goodwill to others, peace and love. But delving further back, I've learned that the Winter Solstice is one of the oldest known holidays in human history. As the shortest day (and longest night) in the northern hemisphere, it signals the first day of Winter but can also be seen as the start of a New Year. Many of the most ancient stone structures made by human beings were designed to pinpoint the precise date of the solstice. The stone circles of Stonehenge were arranged to receive the first rays of midwinter sun.
So, is it coincidence that all of the "Big Three" celebrate their highest of holy days at the same basic time? Obviously not. Solstice celebrations extend back aproximately 30,000 years, back to a time before the dawn of the agrarian age. Back to when we were "hunter / gatherers". When we looked to the universe as the giver of all things - a source of mystery and wonder, but also the great provider. Have we lost that sense of appreciation for the gift of life? Have not the World's religions attempted to stake claim and appropriate this season as their own? Preposterous notions, all! If the God of Abraham is indeed the foundation of Islam, Judism and Christianity, why do so many practitioners disagree with one another so strongly?
I feel that we must return to the true "reason for the season", and be thankful for the opportunity to make causes for our own happiness. It is unnecessary to curse the "unbelievers" (those who think differently) who are uninterested in following any number of outmoded belief systems. Take a tip from the Ancients - be grateful for being alive and celebrate the start of a (hopefully) truly New Year!
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